EFCC begins investigation on Oladip’s extortion allegation against operatives.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has begun investigation into the N10m extortion allegation against some of its operatives by a Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, popularly known as Oladips.

It added that the accused officers have been suspended of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday said the commission was alarmed by such allegation and would ensure that truth was unravelled.

Recall that Oladips had accused some operatives of the Commission of extorting the sum of Ten Million Naira from him before securing his release when he was arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.

Reacting, the EFCC Spokesperson insisted that the picture painted by Oladips was not a true reflection of the anti-graft agency.

“We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly. It is also needful to state that if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the Commission or tarnish its image, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed.” He added.

He, therefore, urged the public to await the outcome of the investigations and continue to keep faith with the commission.

Asset Recovery: EFCC Returns Properties Seized From Fake Spiritualist to Fraud Victim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over three properties, two luxury vehicles, and ₦1.1 million to a fraud victim, Daniel Babatunde Attiogbe. The assets were recovered from convicted fake spiritualist and advance-fee fraudster, Fatai Olalere Alli.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the recovered items include multiple residential properties in Ibadan and two vehicles — a Honda Pilot SUV and a Toyota Corolla. The handover, conducted by the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Directorate, followed a court order issued by Justice Uche Agomoh.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented at the ceremony, said the Commission acted in compliance with the court’s directive, emphasizing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Attiogbe, who lost over ₦200 million to Alli under the guise of “spiritual cleansing,” praised the EFCC for restoring his confidence in justice. Alli was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of fraud in a case that began in 2019.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Wednesday, arraigned a vessel, MT Ostria, alongside three individuals before the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over an alleged theft of over 13 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit valued at about N12bn said to belong to the NNPC Retail Limited.

EFCC Chairman Finally Opens Up on How the ₦566bn, $411m Recovered Loot Are Used.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has finally revealed how the massive sums of money recovered by the anti-graft agency are being utilised.

According to him, the recovered funds totalling ₦566.3 billion and $411.6 million are being channeled into key social investment programmes across the country.

He made this known during a media briefing in Abuja to mark his second anniversary in office.

Mr. Olukoyede explained that part of the recovered money has been used to support national initiatives such as the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, which are both aimed at improving access to education and financial stability for Nigerians.

“Part of the funds recovered by the commission in the last two years was invested in critical social investment programmes: the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme,” he said.

He also disclosed that several government agencies have benefited directly from recovered assets and funds. These include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

According to him, a number of properties seized from corrupt individuals have been handed over to government institutions for use as offices and public service facilities.

Speaking further, the EFCC boss noted that in the last two years, the commission recorded significant recoveries, not just in cash but also in assets. He listed the recovered items to include 1,502 properties, comprising 402 in 2023, 975 in 2024, and 125 in 2025.

EFCC Arrests Akwa Ibom School Owner over ₦3 million Alleged Visa and Scholarship Scam.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has arrested Mrs. Imaobong Cyril Okpong, owner of Michael Udonquak Schools, Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly running multiple visa and foreign scholarship scams.

According to the EFCC, Okpong’s arrest followed a petition by Dr. (Mrs.) Blessing Nse Bassey, who accused her of defrauded her of ₦3 million under the pretext of securing university admission and processing Canadian visas for her and her husband.

Bassey said the suspect approached her in February 2024 with an offer to help secure a foreign scholarship. She stated that she only made payment after Okpong signed a notarized indemnity agreement, after which she transferred ₦3 million to the suspect’s First Bank account.

However, after receiving the money, Okpong allegedly became unreachable and began rejecting calls, failing to fulfill her promises despite the signed agreement.

Bassey further alleged that Okpong had defrauded several other victims. “I met one of her victims in China who got stranded when she discovered there was no scholarship. Some of her victims travelled abroad with fake documents and were either stranded or deported, losing huge sums of money,” she said.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

EFCC to Arraign Woman for N446M Property Fraud in Benin.

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million. Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wi...

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The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 58-year-old Rita Izehia Iyoha over allegations of property fraud involving N446 million.

Iyoha, along with her sister, Fidelia Oghenetejiri, is accused of defrauding Frank Obruche Esemudje and his wife by claiming to sell them a property in Effurun, Warri.

The sisters allegedly presented themselves as the rightful owners of the property, claiming it was inherited from their late father.

The complainant, however, could not take possession of the property after payment due to an existing court judgment restraining the sisters from selling it.

Attempts to recover the funds failed, as Iyoha reportedly relocated to Ghana shortly after the transaction.

The EFCC, which had been tracking her movements, arrested Iyoha during a visit to Nigeria at a popular Lagos motor park.

She has reportedly made useful statements and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

Justice Will Be Served’ – EFCC Insists On Okowa’s Corruption Probe.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations that it is protecting former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, from prosecution following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, speaking through the agency’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), stressed that no suspect enjoys immunity from investigation because of political alignment.

Tahir said, “Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true.

“I think the reference was made to the case of a former governor of Delta State. To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served.”

Okowa, who served as Delta governor from 2015 to 2023, was arrested in November 2024 over allegations of diverting ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds.

In April 2025, he and his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling APC — a move that sparked criticism that the EFCC had gone soft on his case.

‘Tahir explained that the anti-graft agency prefers to conclude investigations thoroughly before filing charges, especially in high-profile cases.

“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good. So we would like to do a thorough job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” he said.

Convicted NNPC Senior Official Forfeits $2.5 Million Los Angeles Mansion to U.S. Government.

Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo, a senior official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has forfeited a $2.5 million mansion in Los Angeles, California, to the U.S. government after being convicted of money laundering.

A preliminary forfeiture order issued on October 3, 2025, by Judge John Walter of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, directed that Okoronkwo’s luxury property at 25340 Twin Oaks Place, Valencia be seized and transferred to the government.

According to court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette, the property—identified as Tract No. 45433, Lot 12 (Assessor’s Parcel No. 2826-143-004)—was linked to proceeds from illegal financial transactions in violation of U.S. money-laundering laws.

The ruling followed Okoronkwo’s conviction on three counts of money laundering, as detailed in a superseding indictment by U.S. prosecutors. The court found a “requisite nexus” between the offences and the mansion, making it subject to forfeiture.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Su, who handled the forfeiture motion, confirmed that the government could immediately seize and liquidate the asset under federal forfeiture laws. The U.S. Attorney General was also authorised to notify any third parties with potential claims.

The court ruled that the forfeiture would become final at sentencing, forming part of Okoronkwo’s punishment and granting the U.S. government clear title once all third-party claims are resolved.

The case—United States v. Paulinus Iheanacho Okoronkwo (Case No. 2:24-CR-20(A)-JFW)—is part of a wider U.S. federal probe into international financial crimes involving politically exposed persons from Nigeria and other countries.

Okoronkwo’s case adds to a growing list of Nigerian officials and business executives whose U.S. assets have been seized after being traced to illicit offshore transactions.

Nigerians blush uncontrollably as VP Shettima reveals EFCC recovered over ₦500 billion in assets in just two years.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion within the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima made this known on Monday while declaring open a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

Representing President Tinubu, the VP said the administration’s policy of non-interference in anti-graft agencies has strengthened their independence and boosted Nigeria’s anti-corr¥ption drive.

“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by empowering anti-corr¥ption agencies to operate without political interference. The EFCC, for instance, has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets valued at over ₦500 billion,” Shettima stated.

He noted that proceeds from the recovered assets are being reinvested into national development schemes such as the students’ loan and consumer credit programmes to enhance economic growth and welfare.

Reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettima said no political ally enjoys protection from investigation, urging judges to uphold integrity and resist corruption.

“Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not immune from its consequences,” he warned, stressing the need for stronger collaboration across government arms to sustain the anti-corruption fight.

Mass Deportation: Nigeria deports over 50 foreigners for internet fraud, others.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has deported 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes back to their home countries, marking the completion of a large-scale repatriation exercise that involved a total of 192 convicts.

According to official sources, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) coordinated the deportations in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), in line with court directives and immigration protocols.

The deported convicts include citizens of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were expelled in coordinated phases between August and mid-October 2025, following their conviction by the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.

The crackdown originated from a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which led to the arrest of 759 suspects.

The first batch of 42 convicts primarily Chinese and Filipino nationals was deported on August 15, 2025, while the final group of 51, including 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, was repatriated on October 16, 2025.

Investigations revealed that the convicts were part of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi network operating under Genting International Co. Limited, where they allegedly trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms targeting victims both locally and abroad.

The deportation, authorities said, brings the multi-agency cybercrime crackdown to a decisive close and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to fighting transnational digital fraud and financial crimes.

Olukoyede sheds light on N360b recovered loot, 753 duplexes.

Applauds Media,CSOs’ efforts at tackling corruption

JOSEPH OKWUOFU, Ibadan

The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has stated that all the recoveries made so far under him by the Commission are deposited to the Federal Government in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to Olukoyede, since he took over the mantle of leadership two years ago, the Commission has recovered the sum of N360b, and a massive estate comprising 753 duplexes from corrupt individuals and the money was deposited in the Central Bank of Nigeria, out of this, the federal government directed that N50b was released for students loan under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND ).

He added that the recovered 753 duplexes were handed over to the Federal Ministry of Housing , following a directive from the federal government that the houses should be completed and allocated to Nigerians.

Olukoyede who is making two years of impactful fight against corruption with a record of 4,111 convictions, further revealed that it is only the federal government that has the power to give directives on how the recovered loot will be spent.

He made the clarifications on Friday, October 17, 2025 at a one-day workshop held in Ibadan Zonal Directorate for Journalists and Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs), organized by the Commission.

Olukoyede who spoke through the Acting Zonal Director, Ibadan Directorate of the EFCC, ACE 1 Hauwa Garba Ringim and the Spokesperson of the anti-graft body, Dele Oyewale also hinted that the EFCC under the current leadership of Ola Olukoyede, in 2024 alone arraigned five ex-governors and five ex-ministers with no let or hindrance.

This is a display of political will by the Bola Tinubu’s administration to prosecute corruption cases to curb economic sabotage and infractions”, he said.

Clemency: You’ve brought shame, scrap NDLEA, EFCC, ICPC – APC chieftain to Tinubu.

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called for the scrapping of some federal government agencies.

The agencies include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

According Eze, these agencies have Iost their flavours to political Interferences, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s presidential pardon of drug barons have further erodes public confidence in statutory Institutions.

The APC chieftain said as long as he remains a member of the ruling party it must be said categorically that Tinubu, by his action, has brought shame and reproach to the party.

Eze believes that no reasonable person would vote for the APC again as the President has made it unelectable in any election in this country.

Eze said that APC’s return to power in 2027 would mean that Nigerians approve of a regime that legitimizes illegality as a political strategy to sustain its odious reign beyond 2027.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Information and Strategy last week, said in a statement that out of the 175 beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon, 41 illegal miners, 28 drug traffickers and 22 murderers topped the list.

Notable among the 175 beneficiaries are Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists; Farouk Lawan, a former member of the house of representatives; Mamman Vatsa, a major general and poet executed in 1986 over alleged treason; and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband in 2017.

We Have Already Submitted Your Documents To EFCC – CCB to Nyesom Wike.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has found himself embroiled in a fresh controversy over allegations of secret acquisition of multimillion-dollar properties in Florida, USA.

According to reports, Wike attempted to amend his asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to include the properties, but was informed that his original declaration had already been forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for thorough verification and investigation.

Sources close to the minister revealed that Wike was unsettled by the development, which could potentially lead to a forensic audit of his financial dealings. Investigations by some media outlets uncovered a pattern of concealment and alleged violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws by the minister. Records obtained showed that Wike acquired a $2 million mansion in Winter Springs, Florida, registered under the names of his wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, and their three children.

Further investigations revealed that three multimillion-dollar homes in affluent Florida communities were purchased covertly using cash transactions and swiftly transferred to their children via quitclaim deeds, executed by Wike’s wife. These transactions, spanning from 2021 to 2023, raised suspicions of attempts to keep assets beyond the regulatory grasp of Nigerian anti-corruption bodies.

The CCB informed Wike that his file had already been transmitted to the EFCC for verification, and the anti-graft agency is now conducting a forensic audit of Wike’s declarations, ownership details, and possible infractions. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), advocacy groups, and international NGOs have launched campaigns demanding an exhaustive probe into Wike’s financial dealings, citing suspected diversion of public funds and illicit enrichment.

Wike’s camp has denied the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated attacks. However, documentary evidence filed in US property registries tells a different story. An EFCC source said the minister is “playing with fire” and that the ongoing forensic financial investigations will uncover the truth. As the investigation unfolds, Wike’s reputation and future hang in the balance.

EFCC pledges to obey Court order on Anglican Archbishop.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to obey court order on the purported arrest of the Anglican Archbishop on the Niger, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim.

The anti-graft agency invited the Cleric for questioning following allegations of impropriety by some Anglican members over sales of lands belonging to the church

The EFCC confirmed this when the matter came up at the weekend,in the Awka High court in suit No.A/MISC-446/2025, presided over by Justice Peace Otti

EFCC said that it will stay all actions pending the determination of the substantive suit on the matter.

Counsel for the Commission C.A Okoli, assured they will neither issue any more invitation letter to the applicant nor try to arrest the preacher until the case is determined.

While the petitioner, Prince Echezona Bonti Onuigbo, was absent in court, Archbishop Ibezim was represented by Beluolisa Nwofor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,SAN

The trial Judge, Justice Peace Otti adjourned the case to 27th November 2025 for the hearing of the substantive suit.

EFCC arraigns man for allegedly stealing over N215 million via bank server breach .
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Lagos-based businessman, Ugoh Christogonus Onyewuchi, and his company, C-PAC Integrated Service Nigeria, before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, for alleged theft of N215.8 million.

The defendants were arraigned on Monday, October 13, 2025, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on stealing and retention of proceeds of criminal conduct.

According to the EFCC, Onyewuchi allegedly retained control of N215,800,000, part of an N8.5 billion sum stolen from accounts domiciled with a commercial bank through unauthorised access to its computers and server systems.

EFCC Told to Prosecute Aregbesola Over Alleged N600 Billion Fraud.

A prominent human rights organisation, the Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the immediate criminal prosecution of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, over alleged diversion of over ₦600 billion in Local Government funds during his eight-year tenure.

Aregbesola, who governed Osun State between 2010 and 2018, was accused of mismanaging funds accrued to the state from the federation account — particularly allocations meant for the local councils — through what the group described as “phantom projects” executed under his administration.

According to CHRSJ, which leads a coalition of civil society organisations under the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEOS) — once chaired by the late Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman (aka Revolutionary Alfa) — several petitions had been filed against Aregbesola since 2015.

The petitions, dated September 4, 2015, June 17, 2016, and November 19, 2018, reportedly detailed extensive evidence of financial misappropriation. Additional petitions sent to the Presidency and National Assembly on March 21 and April 4, 2016, were also acknowledged by relevant authorities and international organisations at the time.

CHRSJ’s Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Abiola Ganiyu (Dove), disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the group intends to resubmit its demands to the EFCC for Aregbesola’s prosecution, expressing disappointment that the agency had “turned a deaf ear” to earlier complaints despite credible evidence.

The rights group alleged that Aregbesola, along with his then Commissioners for Finance and Local Government Affairs, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro and Mr. Kolapo Alimi, diverted Local Government allocations by illegally suspending elected local council administrations between 2011 and 2014.

EFCC arraigns former NSITF chair, Ngozi Olejeme, over alleged ₦1bn fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, arraigned Ngozi Olejeme, a former board chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

Olejeme was docked on eight counts bordering on money laundering, conversion, transfer, and possession of proceeds of unlawful activities totaling ₦1 billion.

One of the charges alleges that, while serving as NSITF board chairman in February 2012, she indirectly converted ₦321.6 million paid into the account of Adin Miles International Ltd, knowing it was part of proceeds from unlawful activity—an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

Another count accuses her of procuring one Chuka C. Eze to convert $2 million into naira for payment to the same company, also alleged to be proceeds of crime.

Olejeme pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following her plea, prosecution counsel Emenike Mgbemele requested a trial date to enable the EFCC call its 14 witnesses.

Her counsel, Emeka Ogboguo (SAN), urged the court to grant her bail pending trial.

Justice Nwite released the defendant to her counsel and adjourned the case to November 17, 2025, for hearing on the bail application.

Emefiele: Court admits WhatsApp conversation in alleged $4.5bn fraud
An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Thursday admitted into evidence the WhatsApp conversation indicting the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, of $4.5 billion fraud and abuse of office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi overruled the objections of the defence and admitted the WhatsApp conversation presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into evidenc

Transactions in Kogi govt’s accounts violated no regulations Witness in Yahaya Bello’s trial.

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of ex-governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others has claimed that the transactions carried out in accounts belonging to the state government violated no known banking regulations.

The witness, Mrs. Abimbola Williams, who is a Compliance Officer with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), featured as the third prosecution witness.

Bello is being prosecuted before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He is being prosecuted with Umar Oricha (Director General, Kogi State Government House) and Abdulsalami Hudu (an Accountant with the state government).

The EFCC is, in the 16-count charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion.

Under cross-examination by the lawyer to Bello, Joseph Daudu, Williams said she was not the relationship or account manager of the Kogi Government House account.

She added that the account is domiciled in Lokoja (the capital of Kogi State), while she works in Abuja.

The witness said the banks do not enquire from customers the purpose for which they were making cash withdrawals, but that such a question could be asked when making transfers, and the relationship with the beneficiary in cases of high-volume transactions.

Alleged $4.5bn fraud: Emefiele’s phone forensic test stalled as EFCC, defence clash.

The forensic examination of a mobile phone central to the $4.5 billion alleged fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has stalled following a sharp disagreement between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the defence team over how to carry out the court-ordered test.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday, both parties traded accusations over who was responsible for the failure of the forensic process, which had been scheduled for September 24 and 25, 2025.

Emefiele, alongside his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a 19-count charge of alleged fraud, corruption, and abuse of office.

The EFCC had tendered an iPhone 12 containing WhatsApp messages as part of its evidence against the former apex bank chief.

The court had earlier ordered that the device, marked as “iPhone 2”, be subjected to a scientific forensic analysis by experts representing both sides to determine the authenticity of the WhatsApp conversations in dispute.

However, Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, told the court that the exercise could not proceed because the EFCC repeatedly obstructed efforts to access the device.

According to him, despite the presence of representatives from the prosecution, the defence, and the court’s Registrar, the commission refused to produce the phone for examination.

Ojo said: “The first obstacle was that the EFCC insisted the device could not be fully exposed to the team.Then, on the second day, even when the Registrar clarified that your lordship’s order covered both the phone and its WhatsApp contents, the EFCC representatives refused to produce it when the Apple expert demanded it. We were told a categorical ‘No.’”